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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



015 988 360 7 • 



BETWEEN THE LINES 

OF 

"CICERO" and "CAESAR" 



BY 

EFFIE CASE 

OSHKOSH, WISCONSIN 



Price 25 Cents 



COPYRIGHT. 1917 

by 

EFFIE CASE 



CONTENTS 



Page 

"The Conspiracy" - - - - 3 

A play based on Cicero's orations against Catiline. 

Between the Lines of "Cicero" - 7 

A story based on the orations of Cicero against 
Catiline. 

"Of All These, the Bravest Were 

the Belgians" - - - - 12 

A story based on the account given in Caesar's 
Gallic Wars of his contest with the Belgians. 



;PB 281917 ©cu 4 583 J 4 



**The Conspiracy" 

\ Time — December 2-5, 63 B. C. 

. o '> .><T- [a' Place — Rome, Italy. 

"0 [)(^y^ CHARACTERS 

(^ \ Marcus Tullius Cicero, Consul of Rome. 

\^ * • Lucius Valerius Flaccus, Praetor of Rome. 

LiviA, Wife of Flaccus 
Lucius, Little Son of Flaccus. 
Gaius Pomptinus, Praetor of Rome. 
Conspirators: 

Volturcius Cethegus Statilius 

Lentulus Ceparius 

Two Allobroges, Ambassadors from Gaul, Senators, Armed Soldiers, 
Heralds, Two Scribes, Slaves. 

ACT I. 

scene I. 

A dark, gloomy spot outside the walls of Rome. Two Allobroges in 
Gallic costume seen crossing the darkened stage. A man wrapped in a dark 
toga which covers his face, steps in front of the Allobroges. 

One of the Allobroges: "Who art thou?" 

Muffled figure: "That which thou dids't not expect to find in Rome, a 
friend." 

Allobroge: "Ye Romans have called yourselves friends of my tribe 
ere this, but ye still grind us down by taxes and make us slaves." 

Muffled figure: "But these were the old Romans; the new Romans 
under the leadership of Catiline will treat ye well. Only give us the aid 
we ask, and ye shall have wealth and positions of power in the new city to 
be founded on the site of Rome." 

Allobroge: "On the site of Rome? What doest thou mean?" 

Muffled figure: "Know ye not, ye men of Gaul, that this year is fated 
for the destruction of Rome? this year which is the twentieth since the 
burning of the capitol, moreover the tenth since the acquittal of the Vestal 
virgins? Do ye dwell so far from the course of the sun that ye know not 
in the Sibylline books 'tis stated the control of Rome will come to the third 
Cornelius, none other than Cornelius Lentulus, whom Catiline hath left 
as our leader in the city? Cornelius Cinna and Cornelius Sulla were before 
him. If ye aid us by furnishing cavalry forces with which to surround the 
city so that none may escape after we have set the city on fire and begun 
the slaughter of the citizens, ye shall find the Romans friends indeed." 

Allobroge: "Give us time to think it over." Exit muffied figure. 

Allogrobes stand talking together. 

First Allobroge: "I like not this plan. Though these Romans are our 
enemies, oppressors of our wives and children, this is such a crime as no 
barbarian hath ever devised against his race. What course shall we 
pursue?" 

Second Allobroge: "Twere best, me think, to return to Rome, and 
report it unto our patron, Fabius Sanga." 

They start back in direction from which they came. 

scene II. 

House of Lucius Flaccus. 

Lucius Flaccus sitting in a Roman chair reading a scroll. Livia, his 
wife, at further side of, room playing with little Lucius. Enter a slave who 
hands Flaccus a scroll. Flaccus, reading it, quickly rises and addresses 
the slave. 



Flacciis: "Order the litter, Marcipor." 

The slave starts to go, Flaccus calls and stepping toward him, says in 
low voice: "Guard well thy mistress and little master till my return." 

Slave: "Ay, domine." 

Exit slave. Livia coming toward Flaccus. 

Livia: Lucius, must thou go forth?" 

Flaccus: "Ay, Livia. Cicero hath sent for me." 

Slave returns. Flaccus embraces Livia and little Lucius, who has 
come running to his mother and is clinging to her skirts. They follow him 
to the door. Marcipor, the slave, remains standing a short distance behind 
Livia. 

Curtain. 

Slaves carrying Flaccus in a litter pass between the curtain and au- 
dience on way to Cicero's house. 

SCENE III. 

A room in Cicero's house. Cicero pacing up and down. Pomptinus 
resting on a couch. A slave opens door and admits Flaccus. 

Cicero, advancing toward Flaccus: "Ah, Flaccus, I thought thou 
wouldst not arrive until the Greek Kalends." ' 

Flaccus: "But, my dear Cicero, I have made all possible speed." 

Cicero: "Indeed, that I know. 'Tis my impatience doth make the time 
seem long. But all is now well. The gods are on our side. At last I have 
the proof." 

Pomptinus and Flaccus, together: "Of the conspiracy?" 

Cicero: "Ay. Now all shall see clearly that a plot hath been formed 
against this most beautiful city of the world. Oh, ye immortal gods! to 
think that Romans, members of the toga wearing race, shouldst plot to slay 
their fellow citizens and burn even the temples of the gods!" 

Flaccus: "Has thou written proof of this?" 

Cicero: "'Tis within my reach. This night ye two praetors shall bring 
it back to me." 

Flaccus: "Thou couldst assign me no work that would please me 
better." 

Cicero: "I knew I could count on thy assistance, and thine also, my 
Pomptinus. Therefore I have outlined thy course of action." 

He hands each a scroll. They rise, and depart. Cicero, head down,, 
paces up and down. 

Curtain. 



^ Never. 

ACT II. 

SCENE I. 

A lonely spot with bushes at both ends of stage. Soldiers seen lying 
dow^n behind bushes. Pomptinus in charge of soldiers on one side, Flaccus 
on other side. Tramping of feet heard drawing nearer. Allobroges, with 
Volturcius and a number of Romans, enter. The soldiers rise stealthily 
and make attack on the Allobroges from back and front. At sign from 
praetors, the battle stops. Allobroges and Volturcius are searched. Four 
letters are taken from them. Allobroges and Volturcius are led back under 
arrest, soldiers on each side and behind them. 

SCENE II. 

Room in Temple of Concord. Senators seated opposite Cicero, who is 
in a curule chair behind a table. A tripod containing smoking incense 
stands back of him. A herald brings in Volturcius, who acts terrified. 

Cicero: "Volturcius, by order of the senate, I promise thee the pro- 
tection of the state if thou wilt tell all thou doest know regarding the plot of 
thy fellow conspirators." 



Voltiircius hesitates, then rising, says, glancing about in fear: "I was 
but carrying a letter from Lentulus to Catiline, bidding him use a garrison 
of slaves and march upon the city with his army so that when the city had 
been set on fire from all sides and an endless slaughter of citizens had 
been made, he might be at hand to intercept those who should attempt to flee 
and might join with the leaders of the conspiracy in the city." (Sits down.) 

Herald leads in two Allobroges. 

Cicero, to elder Allobroge: "Tell unto this body of Romans that which 
thou didst relate to thy patron, Fabius Sanga." 

Elder Allobroge: "Most noble Senators, unto us by Lentulus, Cethegus 
and Statilius, there were given an oath and letters to the members of our 
tribe, bidding them send a cavalry into Italy as soon as possible, and assur- 
ing us that they themselves would furnish pedestrians forces. Lentulus also 
did urge us greatly to join with him, saying, according to the Sibylline books 
and the sooth sayers he is the third Cornelius to whom the control of this 
city is to come." 

Cethegus is led in. Two slaves enter with their arms filled with 
swords and daggers, which they throw upon the table in front of Cicero. 

Cicero to Cethegus: "Cethegus, upon the advice of these Allobroges, 
Caius Sulpicius hath searched thy house and brought hither these weapons. 
How camest thou with them? Canst thou explain?" 

Cethegus: "They are but part of my collection. I have always been 
fond of good cutlery." 

Cicero, holding a tablet toward Cethegus, and pointing to the seal: 
"Doest thou recognize this seal?" 

Cethegus nods. 

Cicero, with a small dagger, cuts the string around the tablet, opens 
tablet and reads aloud: "To the Senate and people of the Allobroges. I will 
do those things which I have assured your ambassadors, and I beg of ye to 
carry out the directions which your ambassadors have received from me." 

Cethegus slinks down in his chair and looks down guiltily. 

Lentulus is led in. 

Cicero, holding up a tablet: "Doest thou. Oh, Lentulus, recognize this 
seal?" 

Lentulus nods. 

Cicero: "It is indeed a well-known seal, the likeness of thy grand- 
father, a most famous and patriotic man, and this seal, though speechless, 
ought to have recalled thee from so .great a crime." 

He cuts the string and reads the letter: "To the Senate and people of 
the Allobroges. See that ye do carry out the terms of your agreement." 

Cicero: "Hast thou aught to say?" 

Lentulus shakes his head negatively. Two scribes at table at right of 
Cicero, write busily. Lentulus suddenly rises, and turns to Allobroges, and 
says: "Men of Gaul, .what have I ever had to do with ye? When did ye 
ever come to my house? And thou, Volturcius, when have I had speech 
with thee?" (Remains standing.) 

Eldest Allobroge, rising: "By Publius Umbrenus, a freedman, 'twas 
we first met Gabinius Cimber, who did escort us to thy house, where thou 
didst tell us thou wast destined by fate to rule this city. Didst thou not 
discuss this with us?" 

Lentulus sits down in confusion. 

Volturcius rises, says to Cicero: "I beg of thee, read the letter given 
me by Lentulus for Catiline." 

Cicero picks it up and reads: 

"Who I am, thou will know from this man whom I have sent to thee. 
See to it that thou art brave, and consider how far thou hast gone. Consider 
what is now necessary for thee, and add to thyself the aid of all, even of 
the slaves." 



Gabinius is led in. 

Cicero: "Gabinius, tell unto us thy share in this plot to destroy Rome." 

Gabinius: "Destroy Rome? I know naught of such a plan." 

Cicero: "Thy comrades here have all confessed to that which these 
Allobroges do testify. Didst thou not conduct these men to the house of 
Lentulus?" 

Gabinius sees the Allobroges for the first time, and sits down in con- 
fusion. 

While scribes write down testimony, the conspirators keep looking at 
each other stealthily. A Senator rises. 

Senator: "I vote that these conspirators, all of whom have confessed, 
be led into custody." 

Several Senators rise at once, and say: "Let it be decreed." 

Guards enter, and as they approach Lentulus, he rises, throws toga 
from his shoulders onto a chair, saying: "I here abjure my office as praetor 
that ye may not pollute your hands in touching the sacred person of a 
magistrate." 

Two guards lead him out. The other conspirators are led out. 

Curtain. 

SCENE III. 

Two days later, December 5, 63 B. C. 

Stage dimly lighted. Street leading to the prison. Cicero leads 
Lentulus across stage to a guard at prison door, by whom Lentulus is led 
into prison. Flaccus leads Cethegus, Pomptinus leads Gabinius, and other 
Romans lead Statilius and Ceparius to the prison. A crowd of Romans of 
all classes keeps collecting on stage. After all conspirators have been led 
into prison, Cicero comes to door, and raising his hand, says: 

Cicero: "Fuerunt." "They are no more." 

The crowd shouts and waves ends of togas, crying: "Pater tuae patriae." 

Some light torches and follow Cicero across stage, shouting, "Pater 
tuae patriae." 

Finis. 



"Between the Lines of Cicero" 

"Oh, mater, mater! They are burning the city." 

Livia clasped the frightened child in her arms, and turned inquiring 
eyes upon the slave who had followed his little charge into the peristylium 
(court). 

"Nay, domina (mistress). He hath but seen the smoke rising from 
the temple of Vesta," replied the slave. 

"Ah, then, mi fill (my son), thou needst not fear," said Livia. "Knowest 
thou not that that is the temple of the good goddess to whom thy father 
doth sacrifice each day?" 

"But, mater, the crowds are so great, and they all talk and cry." 

Again Livia looked at the slave for information. 

"Ay, domina. The streets are full of people. The Forum is crowded, 
and the steps of every temple are filled with people of all classes. To-day 
patricians, plebeians and slaves stand together and talk." 

"Of what do they talk, Marcipor?" asked Livia. 

Before replying to her question, the aged slave motioned to her to send 
the child away. 

"Run over to the fountain, Lucius, and feed thy swans," Livia directed 
the child. 

The little boy went over to the great marble fountain in the center of 
the peristylium and began throwing food to the pair of swans swimming 
gracefully in the large basin of the fountain. 

"Now tell me all, Marcipor," said Livia, turning again to the slave who, 
on account of his long, faithful service, was treated more like a friend than 
a slave by both Livia and her husband, Lucius Valerius Flaccus, at this 
time one of the praetors of Rome. 

"Thou dost know, domina, 'tis now three days since Cicero, the consul, 
led into custody the followers of Catiline, that knave who seeketh the blood 
of every honest Roman. Their friends have formed a plot to release them 
and burn Rome. 'Tis this thou hearest spoken of on every side." 

"Ah, Marcipor! Then hath Catiline returned?" 

"Nay, domina, but 'tis said he is on his way." 

"Oh, that Pompey and his legions were back from the East! Thinkest 
thou that Cicero can guard the city, Marcipor?" Then without waiting for 
an answer, she leaned toward him and whispered: "Is there danger from 
our slaves? Will they remain faithful?" 

"I trust all but Medon, that young Greek whom the dominus (master) 
bought on the last Ides. He talks much with the other slaves when he thinks 
he is unobserved." 

Livia clasped her hands to her breast in terror. 

"Nay, nay. Be not afraid." the slave hastened to say, "for now that 
Cicero, in the name of the state, hath offered to every slave who doth give 
information of the conspiracy, 100,000 sesterces ($5,000) and his freedom, 
none will dare revolt." 

"Thy words comfort me, Marcipor. But I wish thy master would 
return. 'Tis now nearly the tenth hour." 

The slave said nothing. He had told her but little of the tumult which 
had frightened the child when they were walking on the Palatine Hill on 
which the house of Flaccus was situated. Looking down from this height, 
he had seen the Forum packed with a mob, the murmur of whose voices 
sounded like the roll of distant thunder. All were looking toward the Capi- 
toline Hill, where in the temple of Concord the senate was assembled, dis- 
cussing the punishment to be meted out to the conspirators. 

As Marcipor was passing the temple of Jupiter Stator, he was hailed 
by a slave belonging to Decimus Silanus, the consul-elect. 



"Mad fellow, take not that child near yon rabble! Knowest thou not 
his father was one of the magistrates who helped to capture the conspirators, 
and now their friends lie in wait for the households of all those whom the 
gods have placed in power?" 

"How then dost thou, Silanus' favorite slave, dare be abroad?" 

The slave ignored the irony of Marcipor's reply. 

"Thou'd best get thee home and bid thy fellows guard the house. 'Tis 
most sunset, by which time the senate must have passed its decree, if 'tis 
to be sanctioned by the gods. Me thinks, Marcipor, we shall see as bloody 
times as in the days of Sulla." 

He hastened on to report to the wife of Silanus what he had learned 
regarding the doings of the senate. 

The child had understood something of what the slave had said, and 
terrified by the size and actions of the crowds which thronged the narrow 
streets, he begged to be taken home. As Marcipor followed him into the 
house, he gave the slave who stood at the door a signal meaning "danger," 
and then proceeded into the peristylium to his mistress, knowing well that 
the door-keeper would immediately see that the house was guarded more 
carefully. Marcipor himself was resolved not to leave Livia until Flaccus 
should return. 

Now he stood leaning against a pillar not far from the marble seat 
on which Livia was sitting. He saw her absent-mindedly kiss little Lucius 
good night when his nurse came to lead him away to bed. The twilight 
deepened. The shadows cast by the pillars supporting the roof of the peris- 
tylium grew longer and darker. The wind coming down the impluvium 
(opening in the roof) was chill, but Marcipor thought "better the domina 
should remain in this part of the house, where only the soft splashing of 
the water in the fountain was audible, than that she should go to the atrium 
(living room), from which the shouting of the mob as it passed the house 
could be heard." Even from here the uproar was quite distinct to the lis- 
tening slave, whose hearing was quickened by his anxiety. The senate had 
been dismissed, and a crowd had evidently escorted Cicero to his home on 
the slope of the Palatine Hill toward the Forum. But what was the cause 
of the shouting? The slave scarcely dared to think. 

Soon sounds from the front of the house told that Flaccus had arrived. 
The noise aroused Livia from her revery, and rising, she hurried through the 
fauces (passage ways) into the atrium, closely followed by her faithful 
guard. 

"Ah, Livia, mea amata (my loved one)," said Flaccus, clasping her in 
his arms. 

"Lucius, Lucius, why art thou so late?" 

"Ah, Livia! Let us rather thank the gods that I am here than blame 
them because I am late." 

"Hast thou been in danger?" she asked quickly. 

He kissed her passionately. "What Roman is there who has not been 
in danger during the consulship of Cicero and Antonius? (63 B. C.) Nay, 
since the consulship of Cotta and Torquatus? (65 B. C.) But it is all 
over now, amata, and tomorrow thou shalt go with me to offer sacrifices at 
the shrines of all the gods." 

Turning to the slave, he said: "Wilt thou o'ersee the guard tonight, 
Marcipor? At the third watch Zoninus will relieve thee." 

The slave nodded and left the room. 

"Why, if the danger is over, doest thou place guards, Lucius?" asked 
Livia. 

"Ah, Livia, we must not take the help of the gods so for granted, lest 
they be displeased. Sit thee down on this couch that I may feel thee near," 
he continued, leading the way to a couch spread with costly hangings. 

"How fares little Lucius?" he asked, when they were seated. 

"Well, but he asks for thee constantly." 



"Indeed! That doth please me much. I would not like that he should 
forget me when I am from home. Livia, Livia! what days these have been!" 

"Poor Lucius. Thou must be weary." 

"Yea. But had Hercules himself been in Rome at this time he would 
Tiave been the same. 'Tis for Cicero I fear. He hath far o'ertaxed himself." 

"Tell me all thou hast done these last four days, for I have heard 
naught from thee since thou didst hurry away at the summons of Cicero." 

"To think that that was but four days ago! When I reached the house 
of Cicero, a slave escorted me into the atrium, where Cicero and Pomptinus 
were awaiting me." 

" 'Ah, Flaccus,' said Cicero, 'I thought thou wouldst not arrive until 
the Greek Kalends (never).' 

" 'But, my dear Cicero, I have made all speed,' I replied. 

" 'Indeed, that I know. 'Tis my impatience doth make the time seem 
long. But all is now well. The gods are on our side. At last I have the 
proof.' 

"'Of the conspiracy?' asked Pomptinus and I in the same breath. 

" 'Ay. Now all shall see clearly that a plot has been formed against 
this most beautiful city of the world. Oh, ye immortal gods! To think that 
Romans, members of the toga wearing race, should plot to slay their fellow 
•citizens and burn even the temples of the gods.' 

'"Hast thou written proof of this?' 

" 'Tis within my reach. This night ye two praetors shall bring it back 
to me.' 

"He stopped his pacing up and down the atrium and stood between us. 

" 'Fabius Sanga will be here presently and then ye shall hear my plan. 
Ah, he is already arrived,' he continued, as a slave ushered Sanga into the 
room. 

"'Salve, Sanga (hail). Hast thou good news? Do the AUobroges 
agree?' 

" 'Yea,' Sanga replied, 'but only after much persuasion. They judge 
lis all by the governor whom Rome hath placed over them.' 

" 'Relate to Pomptinus and Flaccus what thou dids't tell to me.' 

"Sanga complied with his request. 

" 'Early this morning there came to my house, two members of the 
race of the AUobroges, a Gallic tribe, whose patron I am. Both were much 
excited. The elder, acting as spokesman, said, 'Thou doest know, Oh, Sanga, 
that we came to Rome some days ago to seek redress from the senate for 
the grievous oppression of our tribe by our Roman governor. Our request 
was without avail, and last night, during the second watch, we were leaving 
the city on our way back to Gaul, when, as we neared the darkest quarters 
of the Subura, a man clad in a dark toga, which was closely drawn over 
his face, stepped in our way.' 

" 'Who art thou?' I asked 

" 'That which thou dids't not expect to find in Rome, a friend,' he re- 
plied. 

" 'Ye Romans have called yourselves friends of my tribe ere this, but 
ye still grind us down by taxes and make us slaves,' I returned. 

"'But these were the old Romans; the new Romans, under the leader- 
ship of Catiline, will treat ye well. Only give us the aid we ask, and ye 
shall have wealth and positions of power in the new city to be founded on 
the site of Rome.' 

" 'On the site of Rome? What doest thou mean?' 

" 'Know ye not, ye men of Gaul, that this year is fated for the des- 
truction of Rome? This year which is the twentieth since the burning of the 
capital, moreover the tenth since the acquittal of the Vestal Virgins? Do 
ye dwell so far from the course of the sun that ye know not in the Sibylline 



books 'tis stated the control of Rome will come to the third Cornelius, none 
other than Cornelius Lentulus, whom Catiline hath left as our leader in the 
city? Cornelius Cinna and Cornelius Sulla were before him. If ye aid 
us by furnishing cavalry forces with which to surround the city so that none 
may escape after we have set the city on fire and begun the slaughter of 
the citizens, ye shall find the Romans friends indeed.' 

" 'Give us time to think it over.' 

" 'After giving him this reply, O Sanga, we turned back, and have come 
to thee. Though these Romans are our enemies, oppressors of our wives 
and children, we like not this crime which has been planned, such a crime 
as no barbarian has ever devised against his race. What course shall we 
pursue?' 

" 'Leaving them at my house, I came and reported the matter to our 
consul, Cicero, who hath arranged for them to pretend to join the conspiracy, 
but to ask for letters to their tribe and to Catiline, whom, as they return to 
Gaul, they have agreed to visit at his camp in Northern Italy. 'Tis these 
letters Cicero wishes ye to obtain. He hath laid a careful plot for ye to 
take them from the Allobroges by show of force so that they may not be 
charged with treachery by the conspirators and thus bring disaster upon their 
tribe.' 

"After Sanga finished speaking, Cicero gave us a few instructions and 
toward dusk Pomptinus and I left the city with an armed force, each by a 
different route in order to avoid arousing suspicion. We reached the Mul- 
vian Bridge which, thou knowest, is about three miles north of Rome. Here 
we hid in the villas at each end of the bridge, Pomptinus in the villa on the 
farther side from Rome, I on the side toward the city. Concealed in the 
bushes, our helmets and swords covered so that they might not gleam in 
the moonlight, we lay waiting till the Allobroges should enter upon the 
bridge. 'Twas after the beginning of the third watch before the steady tramp, 
tramp of their feet told us the moment had arrived. Then, when they reached 
the center of the bridge over the Tiber, we attacked them from both sides; 
the Allobroges, at first taking us for enemies, fought furiously, then at a 
signal from us, they understood and surrendered. Quickly surrounding 
them, our soldiers searched them and handed over to us the letters with 
seals unbroken. 

"In the early dawn we led our prisoners back to Rome, and to the house 
of Cicero, who at once dismissed heralds to summon the senate in the tem- 
ple of Concord. To the conspirators, also, summons were sent, and they 
came, suspecting nothing. 

"When all was ready for the trial, Volturcius, a conspirator who had 
been arrested with the Allobroges whom he was accompanying that he might 
lead them to Catiline, was brought in and promised by Cicero the protection 
of the state if he would reveal all he knew of the plots against Rome. 
Trembling with fear, he testified that he had a letter from Lentulus for 
Catiline, bidding him enlist the help of the slaves, and march down upon 
Rome with an army, which was to be stationed at the city gates, to cut down 
with swords all who should attempt to flee when the conspirators within the 
city should set it on fire and begin an endless slaughter of the citizens. 
After Volturcius had testified, the Allobroges were brought in and made 
similar statements. Then Cicero sent for Cethegus, another of the con- 
spirators, and holding up before him his letter which we had taken from 
the Gauls, he asked if he recognized his seal.' After he had acknowledged 
it, Cicero cut the string binding the letter and read it aloud. It proved what 
the Allobroges and Volturcius had said, and Cethegus hung his head in 
shame. 

"One by one the conspirators were led into the room and were shown 
their letters by Cicero. All acknowledged their guilt, and as they sat there 
before the senate with heads bowed, gazing at the ground and looking 
stealthily at one another from time to time, they seemed no longer to be 
judged by others, but to judge themselves. 



C Roman letters were bound by a string on which wax was dropped and 
stamped with the family seal.) 

10 



"When the trial was ended, they were led under guard from the temple 
to the homes of prominent Romans to wait until their punishment should be 
decided upon. The trial had lasted from early morning until dusk, but the 
Forum was still packed with people, anxiously awaiting news of the senate's 
actions. Tired though he was, Cicero ascended the rostra and told them 
how the proof of the conspiracy had been obtained, and described the trial. 
Then, urging them, after worshipping at the shrines of the gods, to go home 
and guard their houses as they had done the night before, he turned to leave 
the rostra, when the crowd, waving the ends of their togas, burst into a 
shout, hailing Cicero as the father of his country. His tired face lighted 
up when he heard them, and he looked as happy as a god when they escorted 
him to his home, carrying torches and shouting 'Pater tuae patriae.' (Father 
of your country.) 

"But could that crowd from whose throats he has warded off the bloody 
daggers have seen him in the senate this morning, they would have loved 
him even more. A hurried meeting of the senate had been called because 
'twas learned the friends of the conspirators were planning their release 
and the complete destruction of Rome. Decimus Silanus, consul-elect, was 
first to state his opinion, and argued for the death penalty. All agreed till 
it came Julius Caesar's turn to speak. 

"He voted to condemn them to everlasting chains, as death was not 
decreed by the gods for punishment. His eloquence, combined with the 
senators' fear for Cicero's life, should he have Roman citizens slain with- 
out consent of the people, changed the attitude of the entire senate. Cicero 
perceived by their looks and whispers what was in their minds, and rising, 
he exclaimed, 'By the immortal gods! Cease to think of me and to spare 
me. Plan for yourselves, your wives and your children.' 

"Then he reviewed the base deeds of the conspirators, the dangers under 
which we have lived and which we have escaped only by the intervention 
of the gods themselves. But his words only attached them to him the more. 
'Twas not till Cato rose and in an eloquent speech swept away their objec- 
tions, that the vote for the death penalty was cast. Then at dusk we set 
forth from the temple of Concord, where the meeting had been held, and 
went toward' the prison with the condemned conspirators, Cicero himself 
leading Lentulus. 

"A guard placed a rope around their necks, and one by one they were 
lowered into the dungeon beneath the prison and strangled. Cicero went 
to the door and, raising his hand, said to the waiting multitude, 'Fuerunt.' 
(They are no more.) 

"For a moment the mob stood silent; then some began to depart. 
Others crowded around Cicero and escorted him home, shouting and pour- 
ing out praises to him and to the gods. 'Twas thus I left him at his house, 
the idol of his country. Antonius is already leading an army toward the 
north to meet with Catiline, and soon Rome will again be at peace." 

Flaccus ceased speaking. After a moment Livia spoke as though to 
herself: 

"And so they are slain, Gabinius, Cethegus, Statilius, Caeparius, and 
Lentutlus. All once our friends. Oh, Lucius!" 

"Ay, Livia. But 'twas better that five should be slain than that all of 
us should perish." 

They sat in silence while without in the darkness the slaves stood on 
guard. 



11 



"Of all These the Belgians were the Bravest" 

The old Roman sat before the family altar with his head bowed. The 
light from the altar fires fell on his strong, care-lined face. He seemed 
unconscious of the slave who crept silently about the room, lighting with a 
torch the bronze lamps hanging from the ceiling. 

The boy at his knee was also unobserved until the latter gently plucked 
at his grandfather's tunic. Then putting his arm about the boy's shoulders, 
the old man murmured: 

"To think I shall see the son of my son made a citizen of Rome. Ah, 
little Marcus, tomorrow will be a proud day for thy old grandfather." 

"Oh, but, grandfather, I do not wish to be a man. I do not want to 
put on the toga virilis (man's toga). Caius, my friend, did not put it on till 
he was sixteen, and I am but fifteen." 

"But, mi puer (my boy), when thy friend put on the toga, the great 
Caesar was living. Now that he has been slain, we know not what may 
happen. Rome has need of all her men. O ye immortal gods! To think I 
should live to see great Caesar slain! My imperator!" 

"Tell me about this Caesar, grandfather. Why do some love him, and 
others curse him even before the gods? Tell me another story before my 
father comes to take the bulla from my neck and hang it up to the gods." 

"How my little Marcus dreads giving up his boyhood!" 

The old man's features softened as he looked at the child's anxious 
face. Then extending his hands toward the images of the Penates on the 
altar, he exclaimed: 

"Oh, ye gods who preside over my household, grant that this boy may 
ne'er be placed in such peril that the bulla which is to be taken from his 
neck to-night and dedicated to ye, may needs be removed from above yon 
altar and placed again about his neck for his protection." 

Turning to the boy, he laid his hand on his head. 

"Had this Caesar's enemies known him as I knew him, nay, as all the 
tenth legion knew him, he would not lie to-night pierced by their daggers, 
and the mob which thou doest hear shouting in the streets of Rome, would 
be beside their peaceful hearths. Thou needest not fear," he added, as the 
sound of the tumult without grew louder. "Thy father is directing the 
slaves who are guarding the house. I, too, would be on guard but for 
wounds received while fighting in Caesar's army in Northern Gaul." 

The mob passed on, and as the sound of the shouting was lessened by 
the distance, the child loosened his terrified hold on his garndfather's arm. 

"Tell me about that battle, grandfather." 

The old man began more as though talking to himself than to the child. 

"It was the year that Cornelius Lentulus and Caecilius Metellus were 
consuls. (57 B. C.) We had fought two great wars the preceding year, 
one with the Helvetians, the other with Ariovistus, the king of the Germans. 
Worn out by the latter campaign, we left Gaul and went down with Caesar 
into Northern Italy to spend the winter. While we were there, frequent 
messages came from Rome, telling Caesar how Pompey was turning the 
people against him; and equally disturbing news was sent him by Labienus, 
a lieutenant whom Caesar had left in charge of the army's winter quarters 
in Central Gaul. At last, toward spring, the letters of Labienus became 
more urgent. They informed Caesar that the Belgians, 430,000 strong, were 
massing against the Romans, resolved to drive Caesar and the Roman army 
forever from Gaul. Then he took quick action. Well do I remember that 
day. A horseman came riding from the North about the eleventh hour, and 
shortly after he left Caesar's tent, the deep tones of the trumpet rang 
through the camp. Instantly the soldiers massed in the Praetorium. 

" 'What news?' I asked of Titus Volturcius, whose tent was nearest the 
general's. 

" 'I judge we are about to begin another campaign, for the red banner 
is displayed before Caesar's tent,' he replied. 



"Caesar soon appeared, already wearing his red sagum (military cloak). 

" 'Fellow soldiers,' he said, 'in the third watch of the night we again 
set forth for the North. Let each man carry for himself ground grain for 
fifteen days. Our allies will furnish us with supplies on the march, and 
already there is fodder in the fields. Do you but show that courage which 
won the victories over the Helvetians and Ariovistus, and Gaul is ours.' 

"Hastily the men started for their tents, where each collected his bag- 
gage into a pack. By the third watch we all were ready; our helmets hang- 
ing about our necks, swords girt at our sides, and each carrying a javelin 
in his right hand, while we bore our packs over our left shoulders. The 
bright moonlight aided us in following the cavalry, which, as usual, led the 
line of march; the long baggage train brought up the rear. 

"As I was one of his body guard, I rode by Caesar that night. He 
seemed more worried than usual. His great white horse seemed to feel that 
something was wrong, and kept turning his head around. Caesar leaned 
over and patted the animal as though to reassure it. At last, as we reached 
a height, he drew rein, and we waited there, looking down at the long wind- 
ing line of soldiers coming up behind us, some on foot, some on horseback, 
the moonlight reflecting from their shields and javelin points. The sound 
of the tramping feet and the rumble of the baggage wagons rolled through 
the hills. 

"'Ah, Marcus! How many of these men have daughters, too! And 
how many will never see them more! Oh, ye gods of war! How much ye 
ask of men!' he said to me. 

"He rode on, a little in advance, his head bowed in thought. After 
awhile he drew rein till I came up to him, and as though ashamed of his 
show of feeling, said: 

" 'All is not well with Julia. Pompey, my son-in-law, cannot forget 
that she is Caesar's daughter.' 

"We rode in silence the rest of the night, and never did a night seem 
so long as that, while we followed winding forest paths and went past 
Gallic villages which were scarcely visible in the moonlight. It was early 
morning before we reached the territory of our allies, where we dared rest 
a few hours. For several days and nights we proceeded in this way, resting 
only when forced by weariness. 

"At last we came in sight of the hill where the forces of the Belgians 
lay, and Caesar decided to pitch his camp on the hill opposite them. The 
Sabis river (Sambre) flowed between the two hills, which were of equal 
height. The one which the enemy held was cleared at the base for about 
two hundred paces, and a dense wood covered its crest. Here in hiding lay 
the Belgians; down on the bank of the river a few pickets of their cavalry 
were stationed. 

"Our own cavalry, crossing the river, which was about three feet deep, 
drove these pickets up the hill to the edge of the forest. The moment that 
the first line of our six legions, who were but a short distance behind those 
of us who formed the body guard, reached the summit of our hill, and began 
fortifying the camp, the enemy rushed forth from the forest, routed our 
cavalry, and crossing the river, hastened up our hill to the men who were 
scattered in the work of fortifying. With shouts of triumph they came 
toward us. 

"But they had not counted on Caesar. At a command from him, the 
trumpeter blew the signal to form in line of battle, messengers dashed off 
to call those who had gone some distance to get materials for the camp 
wall, and by the time the enemy were within a javelin's throw (75 feet) of 
us, we were drawn up in battle array. 

"Caesar had ordered the body guard to draw up with the tenth legion 
on the left side of the Roman camp. Next to us was the ninth legion. We 
all stood holding our javelins above our heads, waiting eagerly for the 
trumpeter to give the signal. When its clear tones rang out, the air was 
black with our weapons as we charged. The Atrebates, for that tribe of 
the Belgians had advanced against us, turned and fled down the hill and 

13 



plunged into the river. We followed, lashing them with our swords. On 
the opposite hill they turned and renewed the battle, but we routed them 
and gained possession of their camp. 

"Looking back from this height we saw our own camp was unprotected 
in the front as well as on the left side, where we had been drawn up. For 
the eleventh and eighth legions, which had been stationed in front of the 
camp, were fighting hand to hand with the Viromandui, another Belgian 
tribe, on the very banks of the river. 

"Up the hill toward the right side of the Roman camp, we saw the 
Nervii hastening against the twelfth and seventh legions, which were 
crowded so closely together that they could not use their weapons. When 
they reached the top of the hill, the Nervii divided, part of the forces going 
around to the rear to seize the Roman camp, part surrounding the legions. 

"Then Labienus, commander of the tenth legion, seeing the danger of 
the camp, shouted to us: 'Milites (soldiers), ye see in how great peril our 
legions, camp and imperator are. Haste ye to their aid.' 

"The trumpet blew, and worn though we were, down the hill, through 
the river, and up the opposite height we rushed, willing to give our lives 
for our loved imperator. But as we reached the farther bank, we saw him 
gallop past the front of the camp toward the twelfth legion. Seizing a shield 
from one of the soldiers in the rear line because he had come there without 
a shield, he called the centurions by name, and shouting, 'Fellow soldiers, 
advance! Relax the maniples so that ye may use your swords more easily,' 
he dashed into the front line. 

"The enemy, who in great numbers had been rushing up the hill, were 
retarded, and when we reached the scene even those of the Romans who, 
overcome by wounds, had lain down, rising, supporting themselves with their 
shields, fought like true soldiers of Rome. 

"But the enemy! Ah, how they fought! When we cut down their 
lines, those nearest stood on the bodies of the slain, and when they in turn 
were cut down, their bodies were heaped together and the next line stood 
upon them and fought as though from a hillock. At last the battle was over, 
and at dusk the old men of the tribe of the Nervii came from the swamp 
where, before the battle, they with the women and children had been placed, 
out of the reach of our army. Advancing with humble air, these aged Bel- 
gians knelt at Caesar's feet and begged for peace. The eldest acted as 
spokesman. 

" 'Mighty Caesar, sent by the survivors of our tribe, which has been 
reduced almost to destruction, we come to sue for peace. We have been 
reduced from six hundred to three senators, from sixty thousand men to 
barely five hundred who can bear arms. Have compassion on our race, 
and receive us under thy protection.' 

"Never shall I forget the joy on that aged face when Caesar said: 

" 'Go back to thy people, and tell them Caesar bids them return to 
their homes, use their own fields and towns, and that he will protect them 
from all harm.' 

"The suppliants departed, and we settled down for the night in our 
camp. Caesar, though worn by the exertions of the day, visited each one 
of us who had been wounded. Far into the night I saw him from where I 
lay at my tent door. Toward the third watch of the night, as he was coming 
back toward his tent, I saw him stop and listen near the captives' quarters, 
not far from my tent. Then he went nearer and spoke to some one. I 
raised up on my elbow, and saw him stoop over and lift up a young boy. 
The night was still and I heard him distinctly, as he said: 

' 'Who art thou, boy?' 

" 'Boduognatus, son of Boduognatus, leader of the Nervii. Oh, im- 
perator, let me go! Let me return to my people before they slay me!' 

" 'None will harm thee. I have given pardon to thy tribe, and tomorrow 
thou shalt have thy liberty.' 

" 'But thy soldiers, they are casting lots to see who shall slay me.' 

"'What?' 

14 



"Caesar's voice showed his surprise. But the boy evidently saw noth- 
ing to fear in the care-lined face bent over him, for he poured out his story. 

" 'When they searched me, they found in the boss of my shield a letter 
from Pompey to Servius Galba, one of thy soldiers, offering him great re- 
wards if he would slay thee, mighty Caesar. 'Twas for this I let myself 
be captured, to give the letter to Galba.' 

"'Did thy father know?' 

"'Nay, nay. Spare my father! By the gods, I swear he knew naught 
of it.' 

"'Then didn't thou hate me?' 

"The kind voice sounded more gentle. 

"The boy stammered, 'But I did not know thee. They said thou 
woulds't oppress us all and make us slaves.' 

" 'No. Thou didst not know me,' Caesar said, and never have I heard 
his voice more sad. 

" 'Come. I will go with thee part way to thy father's camp.' 

"I leaned out of the tent as far as I could, and saw the mighty Caesar, 
this man whose enemies say he was cruel and ambitious, gently lead the 
boy past the guard and out of the camp." 

The old man stopped. He seemed not to hear the shouting of the mob, 
which was again rushing past the house, crying: "Death to tyrants," "Down 
with tyranny." His thoughts were with his loved imperator, the gentle 
Caesar, as those who knew him best had always found him. 



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